Donald Trump warns biggest Iran attack is ‘waiting in the wings’ as US strikes targets near Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump has warned Iran that an even bigger US attack is “waiting in the wings” as American forces unleash a fresh wave of “large and powerful” strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.

The US President dramatically escalated his rhetoric against Tehran on Tuesday, confirming strikes were underway against Iranian targets and threatening a devastating response if Iran dared retaliate.

“The United States is, as we speak, striking Iranian Targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines (They have been completely removed or detonated!), and the Iranians shooting eight missiles, all successfully knocked down, at our Military Base in Jordan,” Mr Trump posted on Truth Social.

“If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

The fresh bombardment has crushed hopes that the weekend’s exchange of fire between the two enemies could remain an isolated flare-up rather than the beginning of a wider renewal of hostilities.

Oil markets were already feeling the heat after the first direct attacks between Iran and the US since July, while reports that two tankers had been hit after leaving the Strait of Hormuz added another layer of concern.

The critical waterway is one of the world’s most important oil supply routes and has been effectively closed to shipping by Iran.

Tehran, meanwhile, has shown little sign of backing down, warning it would prevent oil from being exported from the Gulf.

US Central Command confirmed the latest operation had begun at midday US Eastern Time.

“Today at 12pm ET, US forces began striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran,” US Central Command posted on X.

“The strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members deployed to the region.”